Missile Systems Engineer Intern

First Roles; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 48,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos is seeking a Missile Systems Engineering Intern to join a missile defense program in Huntsville for the spring 2027 term. You will work with experienced engineers on real systems, contributing to verification, testing plans, and lifecycle activities.

This internship offers mentorship and exposure to DoD-scale defense technology on a high-impact program. You will collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams, gain hands-on experience in systems engineering, and develop professional skills

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in an engineering discipline from an ABET-accredited university.
• Ability to collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams and communicate effectively.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Willingness to work part-time during spring 2027 and be on-site in Huntsville, AL.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance.
• U.S. Citizenship is required.

Responsibilities

• Support requirements verification and validation activities.
• Help develop test programs, plans, and procedures.
• Participate in configuration management activities.
• Collaborate with engineering teams on defense systems.
• Gain exposure to the full systems engineering lifecycle on an active missile defense program.

Skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in an engineering discipline from an ABET-accredited university

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainably. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide the way we do business.

With offices across the United States engaging in defense, space, cyber, and commercial fields, Leidos provides responsive, cost-effective engineering, scientific, and IT solutions. Our Defense Sector delivers systems, solutions, and services covering land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace for customers worldwide—and you'll be part of that mission.

The Defense Systems Sector is seeking a Missile Systems Engineering Intern to join a missile defense program in the spring from January – May 2027 contingent upon award. This isn't your typical internship—you'll work alongside experienced Engineers on real systems that protect our nation, gaining hands-on experience that will jumpstart your career. This is more than coffee runs and busy work. You'll contribute to real engineering deliverables on a program where precision and excellence are non-negotiable. Work with cutting-edge missile defense technology while building professional skills in systems engineering, testing, and integration. You'll gain mentorship from experienced engineers and build a network that can launch your career in defense. The Intern will work in a collaborative, matrixed organization supporting one of the most critical defense programs in the nation. You'll interface with program management, Design Engineers, and SEIT Engineers to support real engineering challenges throughout the system design lifecycle. This is your opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to mission-critical work while learning from industry experts.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Support requirements verification and validation activities.
• Help develop test programs, plans, and procedures.
• Participate in configuration management activities.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary engineering teams on complex defense systems.
• Gain exposure to the full systems engineering lifecycle on an active missile defense program.

Basic Qualifications:

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent degree from an ABET-accredited university.
• Ability to perform in a collaborative engineering environment working closely with multi-disciplinary teams.
• Ability to communicate effectively within a team environment.
• Knowledge of and experience with Microsoft Office Suite tools.
• Ability to support part-time work throughout the spring 2027 semester.
• Ability to reside or willing to relocate to the Huntsville, AL area to work on-site.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance.
• U.S. Citizenship is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Obtained an INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) or Associate Systems Engineering Professional (ASEP) Certification.
• Experience working with Cameo Systems Modeler or any relative software.
• Experience deriving requirements for complex electrical, electro-mechanical, mechanical, and software systems.
• Experience with test execution.
• Experience supporting DoD, NASA, or DARPA programs.
• Understanding of the DoD acquisition processes and methods.

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:

October 22, 2026For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:

Pay Range $48,100.00 - $86,950.00The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.